’tis the season to be merry!

Sponsored content

Sean Millar of Pruno Wines recommends some festively indulgent wines to help make your Christmas celebrations extra special.

 

 

CHRISTMAS MAY LOOK a little different this year and whilst you may not be able to invite the whole family round to celebrate, a festive feast paired with some wonderful wines is a great way to enjoy the day with your nearest and dearest.

A glass of fizz with breakfast on Christmas morning is guaranteed to put you in the festive mood and a good cava such as Arrels Montau de Sadurní Brut Nature is an excellent choice. A reasonably priced alternative to Champagne, Arrels Montau de Sadurní Brut Nature Cava is made using the same traditional method as Champagne, which creates bubbles inside each individual bottle through secondary fermentation.

This particular cava would also be great to serve with canapés ahead of the main event. Alternatively, the delightful Mezzadro Chardonnay, made by a boutique vineyard in the province of Chieti, would make a perfect pairing for any pre-lunch festive nibbles.

If you’re opting for a seafood starter, Vina Bemposta Albariño is a match made in heaven for the strong flavours of smoked salmon and shellfish. This exceptional wine comes from a high-altitude vineyard in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia in north west Spain, where the Albariño grape thrives due to its close proximity to the sea and cooler Atlantic climate.

Turkey with all the trimmings deserves a real showstopping wine such as Casa La Rad Rioja Tinto or Viyuela Aniversario from the Ribera del Duero, which are both produced by small family run vineyards.

The robust oaky notes in these ‘special treat’ wines will complement the strong luxurious flavours of the cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, sprouts and red cabbage, which are traditionally served alongside the milder flavoured turkey on Christmas Day.

When choosing wines to serve with a cheeseboard, I personally like to steer away from big heavy reds. Instead, I will be opting for Villalta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore this Christmas.

A stunning Valpolicella, made in the Venetian Hills, this is a wine that really brings out the flavour in soft creamy goats’ cheeses. It also pairs exceptionally well with Italian blue cheeses like Gorgonzola.

Here’s to a very merry Christmas filled with some wonderful wines!

ARRELS MONTAU DE SADURNÍ CAVA, BRUT NATURE RESERVE

An excellent cava, aged for two and a half years in the cellars. Shiny yellow in colour with ageing aromas, this is a light and crisp cava with small continuous bubbles. A perfect Christmas Day treat.

MEZZADRO CHARDONNAY

A delicious Chardonnay with lovely aromas of exotic fruit and banana, alongside delicate notes of yellow flowers.

Fabulous paired with canapés or light bites served during the festive season.

VINA BEMPOSTA ALBARIÑO

A smooth tasting white wine with a slightly fruity sensation, which comes from the Rías Baixas region of Galicia. Straw yellow in appearance, this wonderfully fragrant wine is a great match for seafood dishes.

VIYUELA ANIVERSARIO, RIBERA DEL DUERO

 

                   

 

With beautifully balanced spicy, savoury and sweet flavours, this wine is perfectly suited for Christmas Day. Aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels, this is a festively indulgent wine with a powerful aromatic intensity and hints of candied fruit and toasty aromas.

VILLATTA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE

A real festive treat with aromas of dark chocolate and roasted nuts, this smooth and elegant red pairs well with soft cheeses.

Made using the unique ‘Ripasso’ technique, where the wine is passed over the semi-dried grape skins used to make Amarone, this is a superb tipple.

CASA LA RAD RIOJA TINTO

An exceptional wine to serve on Christmas Day, this is a stunning Rioja with complex aromas of black cherries and currants with notes of black pepper, spices and a wonderful subtle hint of vanilla.

Made from the tempranillo and grenache grapes, this really special red is aged in oak for a minimum of 14 months.

ALL WINES AVAILABLE AT PRUNO-WINES.CO.UK | INSTAGRAM @PRUNOWINES | FACEBOOK.COM/PRUNOWINES